Latvia eye history as Turkey’s troubles grow

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WHERE David Beckham and Emile Heskey trod before them, Maris Verpakovskis and Andrejs Rubins must bravely go. Latvia are on the verge of their first appearance in a leading tournament as they visit Istanbul tonight with a one-goal advantage and a Uefa investigation hanging over their hosts.

Turkey, with the memory of their tunnel fracas and goalless frustration against England fresh in the memory, need to overturn the lead Latvia gained in Riga last Saturday through a goal from Verpakovskis, who had a trial for Wolverhampton Wanderers during the summer, if they are to qualify for the finals in Portugal.